Moving is certainly an exciting endeavor, regardless if you are moving within the same state or moving to an entirely different state or even country. But moving comes with its own unique challenges – this is just a fact of life. If you are planning a move, you have many tasks to accomplish, and one of those is to choose the right moving company. If you want to make sure that the moving company you select is the ideal one based on your budget, expectations, and preferences, then here’s your essential guide to selecting the best moving company for your move.

Request several estimates

If you’re serious about hiring the best mover, you should definitely not settle for the first one you find. Take the time to compare estimates from different movers (at least three) so you can decide which mover can give you the best deal. And, while requesting estimates, remember this: if the estimate sounds a bit too low, it may be too good to be true. Make sure the mover asks specific details about your move (where you are moving, where you are located, how many bedrooms you have, etc.) so they can give you a fairly accurate estimate or quote as well.

Check their accreditations

There may be many movers around, but not all are as reliable as you may think. In fact, many aren’t. The best way to make sure you are getting a high standard of service is to check the mover’s accreditations. For instance, if you are moving out of state, the mover should have a number which has been issued by the DOT or Department of Transportation. This means their vehicle can legally transport cargo or passengers on the interstate. Additionally, a good mover will have a number which has been issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.

If you are moving within your state, there are certain requirements, but they depend on the jurisdiction. In certain states, for example, movers are not regulated, while there are 33 states which require DOT numbers for movers. It’s best to check the rules for your state so you can confirm. One other thing: if the mover is certified by the ProMover scheme or program of the American Moving & Storage Association, that’s a good sign as well.

You should also make it a point to read as many reviews and feedback as you can about the mover, as this can give you a good perspective on the kind of service they provide. If you want to save yourself the hassle of checking accreditations and certifications, however, you can always rely on a service such as uber-movers.com, which screens movers in different states so you can have better peace of mind knowing that the mover you have chosen will do their best.